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Council hears that highway funds can’t pay for 1st/2nd Street fixes; work session and field visit planned
Summary
City staff told council the city attorney advised highway funds cannot be used because 1st and 2nd streets are private; councilors and residents flagged public‑health and property risks and asked staff for maps, cost estimates and a field inspection to identify a path forward.
Councilors spent the longest block of the Feb. 2 Westfir City Council meeting on a persistent stormwater problem affecting 1st and 2nd streets, and the meeting ended with an agreement to carry the topic to a work session for a field visit and more detailed proposals. Staff said the city attorney had advised that state highway funds could not be used because “1st and 2nd Street are private roads,” leaving the council to explore other options, including county surplus material and volunteer assistance.
Residents and councilors described the immediate public‑health and property risks if the culvert system remains incomplete. One resident said the culvert is “about 60 feet short of the creek” and warned that standing water can threaten septic systems and cause erosion. Staff outlined a possible low‑cost repair path if Lane County donates surplus pipe — county material would reduce homeowner out‑of‑pocket costs from approximately $860 to about $689 for fittings, though some connectors and elbows would still be required. Council directed staff to provide blueprints, a map of the gap, and a proposal for a short field trip so members can inspect the site in person before a follow‑up work session.
